Day Two of my visit to the Fraser Valley had me at the Mt. Lehman Winery. I met with co-owner and winemaker, Vern Siemens, who tasted his wines together with me, discussed his winemaking methods, his favourite varietals, and much more.
The grapes are I believe all from the estate; the white grapes for sure, but do not remember exactly if the warmer climate red grapes like, Cabernet Franc and Merlot are grown at the winery. The winery and vineyard cover 80 acres, which is quite substantial. Not all 80 acres are covered in vines. Leading me through the barrel room, we stepped out the back and saw a large expanse with vines growing at the top of the hill behind the vineyard with grass growing below. Lots of possibilities to expand the winery, but I think Vern is happy to keep the winery production manageable for himself.
Vern started growing 50 different grape varieties in 1991, but not sure which of those 50 varieties, if any, has been replaced by more hardy varieties for the Fraser Valley climate. Vern does grow both vitis vinifera and hybrid grapes in the vineyard. The winery has been around for 33 years, which is quite a feat for this cool climate region in BC. I applaud Vern and his team for their persistence.
Vern keeps winemaking simple, not using any clarifiers in the wine, and preferring natural settling before bottling. Vern and I both love Pinot Noir wines and I was impressed with the quality of the Pinot Noir wine he poured for me. Go visit, Mt. Lehman Winery on a weekend and try his Pinot Noir and more.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Mt. Lehman Winery Riesling 2022 (BC $21.75) – This wine has a medium-intensity lemon colour. Lighter citrus and petrol aromas. It is off-dry, not quite mouth-filling. It has higher acidity but still has a smooth mouthfeel. Stone fruits and honey on the palate. A tasty wine. 
Mt. Lehman Winery Pinot Gris 2023 (BC $20) – This wine was made with a 24 hr soak of the grapes on their skins before fermentation. It has a pretty light peach-orange colour in the glass. Nice, light aromas of stone fruits. It is dry, fuller body with a lean mouthfeel. Light stone fruit flavours and a touch of grape stem. Medium acidity and light tannins. 
Mt. Lehman Winery Pinot Noir Reserve 2022 (BC $26) – A lighter, clear garnet colour. Pretty aromas of sweet spices, red fruit and a touch of oak. Dry, medium-body with a lightly round mouthfeel. Raspberries, red fruits, red cherries and touches of sweet spices and oak on the palate. Medium length finishing with sweet red fruits and light tannins.
Mt. Lehman Winery Three Amigos 2020 (BC $24.25) – Made with Cabernet Franc, Cab Foche, and Merlot. It has a deeper, slightly dull, garnet colour. Medium-intensity nose with cedar, red fruit, and candied red fruit aromas. It is dry, medium body, with a lightly round, buttery mouthfeel. Red fruit, red cherries and touches of sweet spices, cedar and pepperiness on the palate. Medium-plus length finishing with medium drying tannins and flavours of sweet red fruits and sweet spices. Restrained flavours. Classy.
Mt. Lehman Winery Cabernet Libre 2019 (BC $21.75) – I think this was a one-time experiment to try out this grape variety, but will not be made again. This wine has a medium, dullish garnet colour in the glass. Lots of coffee, chocolate and grape stem aromas. It is dry, medium-minus body with a lean mouthfeel. Red fruit, grape stem and leather on the palate. Medium-plus length. 
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These last two wines are in the dessert category and are Vern’s takes on a Tawny and a Ruby-style port.
Mt. Lehman Winery Brawny Tawny NV (BC $21.75) – A medium-intensity dull garnet colour with a tawny tone. Nice, medium-intensity aromas of red fruit, coffee, and molasses. Medium-plus body and medium sweetness. Molasses, dried fruits, and pepperiness on the palate. Flavour builds with time in your mouth. Medium-plus length. Firmer tannins. Tasty.
Mt. Lehman Winery Ruby 2021 (BC $21.75) – A lighter, dull garnet colour. Light intensity sweet red fruit and molasses on the nose. Lighter body with medium sweetness. Smooth mouthfeel. Floral, candied cherries and vanilla flavours. Medium-plus acidity. Medium-plus length with medium-drying tannins. An ageable Ruby. –
Thank you to Tourism Abbotsford for setting up this meeting for me.
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
These wines are available online at the Mt. Lehman Winery website or visit the winery in Abbotsford. Enjoy a day trip to the Fraser Valley.
